NEW GALLERY SPACES OPENING IN 2017

In early 2017, our fourth floor will be transformed into a new destination for historical education and innovation. During the current renovation, objects from our permanent collection are on view throughout the Museum.

Collection Highlights

N Amsterdam, ou N Iork in Ameriq

Date:

ca. 1700

Object Number:

PR.020.FF.13

Medium:

Colored engraving

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Ballot box

cast: on iron lid: "JOLLIE/PATENT APPLIED FOR"
engraved: on brass plaque on top of frame: "BALLOT BOX/USED IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK PRIOR TO 1870/PRESENTED BY/GEORGE H. DEAN/MARCH 8, 1919"

Description:

Spherical blown glass vessel housed in square iron framework; glass vessel with circular opening at top and pontil mark at base; iron framework consisting of two square horizontal members with pierced decorative ironwork of scrolling foliage, supported by four pillars; circular iron lid at top with loop for lock; engraved brass plaque.

Gallery Label:

In 1858, Samuel Jollie patented a transparent ballot box, designed so "that the bystanders may see every ballot which is put in, see all the ballots that are in, and see them taken out." Jollie sold 1200 of his cast iron and glass boxes to New York City in time for the 1857 election.

Credit Line:

Gift of George H. Dean

Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.